Feed the Birds

Anytime I come across that brings back happy childhood memories is truly a gift.

This took place as I learned that on this day in history, in the year 1964 Walt Disney's "Mary Poppins" premiered.

Many images come back as I think of this movie: a chalk painting coming to life, countless chimney sweeps dancing on a rooftop or a group of people who cannot seem to stop laughing having a tea party on the ceiling.

One scene in particular is always the first to come to mind and that is of Mary Poppins tucking two tired Banks children into bed, holding up a snow globe and singing the sweetest lullaby.

This song, "Feed the Birds" was Walt Disney's favorite and many times he would summon Richard Sherman (one of the composers) into his office to play it for him. Disney would then say, "Yep, that's what it's all about."

The message seems to be about seeing what is right in front of you. It is about being willing to change course and be redirected toward a need and giving what you can. A message just as much for Mr. Banks as it is for his children.

The song comes to life when the children do listen to what Mary Poppins was telling them and see the bird lady on the steps of the cathedral the next day.

"Feed the Birds" is a lovely, pure, haunting melody with a meaning that goes well beyond its title.